Supporting Youth Mental Health: Understanding media anxiety in young people

With the current news cycle and fears around Coronavirus, it is easy to see how kids might feel an increased stress response. Ultimately it is important to consider the developmental age of your child and facilitate conversations that are age appropriate. Often it is about giving the right amount of information and considering how your own feelings may shape that conversation. Tips to navigate the news cycle with your children

Wellness tips for anxious times

With coronavirus and other challenges all around us, these can be stressful times. Here are helpful suggestions for managing the pressure you may be feeling. Special thanks to our Young Adult Council for their contributions.

Communicate with others

With anxiety and depressive conditions, it takes a lot of time and work to learn how to care for yourself, but just as important is figuring out how to communicate your needs to loved ones and asking for help when needed. Don’t be afraid to ask for the support you need.

Go for a walk

Getting outside gives you the chance to connect with nature. Find an activity that works for you that is away from all of the technology of today, and use it as a way to decompress. Also, check in with yourself mentally every now and then. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget mental health during busy days and work schedules, but maintaining your mental health is at the core of your ability to function.

Healthy habits and mindfulness

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, health experts recommend that you avoid touching your face and wash your hands frequently, spending at least 20 seconds each time. You can use these seconds as a moment of brief meditation. A few deep breaths can be a quick way to settle your mind and improve your mood.

Our friends at Lines for Life have all crisis lines open. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

If you are 55 or older and feeling isolated or just want to have a friendly conversation, call the Senior Loneliness Line at 503-200-1633.

If you are 21 or younger and want support for any problem, big or small, call YouthLine at 1-877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863.

The Wellness Society: Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook (English and Spanish): In this unprecedented period of global uncertainty, we felt it was necessary to put together a coronavirus anxiety workbook to provide our community with much needed support. This is an online version of the PDF workbook which you can download for free above.